chocolate Barz

As you may have noticed, I don't have 'thing' for big name artists on this sight. The Jay-Z's and Lil Waynes of this world get so much promo from some of my blogging brothers and sisters that little old me is never going to create and great lift or dent in these guys units sales. It wasn't even a concious decision its just the way things worked out. My usual modus operandi when I first get alerted to new music is to skip through about 10 seconds of the first few tracks. I will then add it to my ipod and my first impressions during those few seconds usually determine (sunconciously) how long it takes for me to listen to an album from start to finish. Thus to give the up and comers that little extra bit of shine for providing us with great music is what myself and Mr. Mischief (yes he does exist, eezzee chiefy!) Are all about. As such I have always given a mention and a little paragraph of props to many an album (besides the reviews) since starting out in the blog game. Sometimes I have given such a paragraph to music that deserves a lot more than that. Chris Barz has created such an album with 'Class[sickz] Out The Dark. I will make the immediately obvious comparison (obvious to me anyway) both in sound and vocal style but only becaause this is an album that in my view is easily worthy of such company. Lupe Fiasco! Although I would says Class[sickz] is a lot more Food And Liquor than The Cool with its overall sound, it is such a great piece of work that there is a case to be made for Chris Barz to be given the kind of shine that lupe was afforded with his first effort. Creativity, quirkyness, charisma, variety and a sense of fun are in abundance and allied with Chris' obvious technical ability, although the slight drawl to his flow makes for a more accessible listen. I get a sense that, in a way, Chris' is holding a little back for his next outing. Whereas someone like the Clipse for example, seem a little at pains to stray from the roots of crack references (and for the record, I do love the way they get down), Class[sickz] seems to be merely acting as an introduction into Chris' world. I am still somewhat incredulous that music of this quality is free and an immense big up must go out to Best Kept Secret who on this evidence has chosen the perfect moniker for himself. Surely somewher someone with a little pull in certain circles is listening to this and seeing just how good this guy is. I hope that he gets his radio play and the recognition that comes with it and things kick on from there. I suspect that he won't and it will be left to people such as myself to keep on spreading the word. 

p e a c e

Chris Barz - On The Radio (She Crazy) feat. Tabi Bonney


Download Class[sickz] Out The Dark

2 touch training

While he was a UK resident, Lewis Parker built up a double barrelled CV/resume that is awesome in its consistency. This has actually been written while my ipod makes its way through Mr. Parkers entire catalog with half an ear open for a weak beat or couplet here or there but (obviously) found none to speak of. I remember picking up the Masquerades And Silhouettes EP a few times before I actually purchased it. Being a bit of a green horn at the time i hadn't actually heard of Lewis before yet something was telling me to make the purchase. What I was treated to drew me into UK Hip Hop (I'm not afraid to admit) and I haven't looked back from that day to this. Now of course he hangs his hat across the pond (Ghostface and Dynas will tell you) and after the superb Mixtape: Volume One we get hit with a 1 2 combo. His own latest opus 'The Puzzle/Episode One/The Big Game' & River Nelson's 'The Rise And Fall Of....' And the connection between the two? Both are entirely produced by the man himself. The trademark dusty drums and chopped, obscure, off kilter samples are still the bedrock of what takes Lewis from good to great. For anyone that remembers the re runs of any of those old school 70's TV and cinema shows (or even when they were originally shown) listening to some of Lewis' beats will 'take you there'. Lyrically he seems to have stepped up his game since he first embarked on his american dream. As a foil, River has some abrasive words and can fire of plenty of syllables but is laid back with his delivery, so you can easily pick up what he has to say. With many of todays releases it is easy to disregard the MC's flow and contend youself with snapping your neck to the pops and whistles that are served up as beats. They key to albums such as these is as good as the beats are, they never compromise the presence of the MC. Lewis Parker and River Nelson have put together a perfect case in point.

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Lewis Parker - Man Up! feat Dynas


River Nelson - Rise & Fall feat. Panama


undercover loving (or out of nowhere #1)

 

GTXC-31

ChRis BaRz _ Class[Sickz] Out The Dark (2009)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These two snuck up on me out of nowhere. Chris Barz’ Class[sickz] Out The Dark & The Residents’ Open House are both longplayers of ridiculous quality. I’m personally peed off that these almost passed me by. I suggest the good people check these out ASAP. Peep the tasters and Enjoy!

Chris Barz – Wherever We Go feat. Jessse Boykins III

The Residents – What We’ve Got (Remix)

he doesn turn Trix, he Flips 'em

I remember once hearing a boxing critic saying "any undercard who truly deserves his chance won't stay an undercard for long". The logic may be slightly flawed but it's essence is correct. Those who put the work in are the ones most likely to reap the rewards. If you've ever been to a live UK Hip Hop showcase or club night, the chances are that the name Fliptrix was scrawled somewhere on the second or third row on the flyer. Think of an Amir Khan (or Floyd Mayweather for the US heads) saturday night undercard. Kashmere, Foreign Beggars, Jehst and Verb T are just a few of those who have taken a breather in the dj booth while Flip has been doing his thing. Said undercard status is more than likely to change once Theory Of Rhymes hits stores. Ably backed by Jehst, Kashmere, Verb T (in some cases both in the booth and behind the boards), Flip gives his take on London life and the morality that can go with it. Easily weaving between the staccato flow of Deep Set Thoughts to the atmospheric head nods of Dream Coat and Own Zone, Flip shows the versatility nesseccary for anyone wishing to get a foothold in the scene today. But don't think he doesn't take care of the business that is letting the neighsayers know how good an MC he is. A very solid debut that is sure to propel Fliptrix on to bigger things. Undercard? Not anymore!

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Own Zone/Turn Of Phrase/Madness/My Soul: Promo mix


Ralph gets a Mohawke

Unknown

OOOOOOOOOHH!!! I’ve just seen a list of the Associated Minds planned releases for 2010. Mudmowth is gonna be busy this year with 2 collabo’s and his album finally dropping this year. The first of these, should be his Tokyo EP with Ralph Rip Shit. Until the releases start to flow', peep Ralph doing his thing over Hudson Mowhawke’s Rising 5. Enjoy!

'Ralph Rip Rising' (Hud Mo Dub)

Associated Minds

what a Caruan(a)

WuBeatles_MMT-300

Tom Caruana is easily becoming the hardest working beatsmith on these shores. The guy churns out these collections like an old school surrogate (sorry for the bad analogy Tom). But the qualty is such that all i can say is keep ‘em coming. This time he’s teamed uup his own Beatle led concoctions with classic Wu acapellas. Enjoy!

Wu-Tang vs. The Beatles

use the force dave

This is interesting…. and Daft Punk?

Taken over

frontcover

Big tings is gwaanin’ in thed Nottingham stronghold. If this is a sign of things to come….

Hipnott Records - 2010 Takeover

Kevin Nottingham

Hipnott Records

Scottish high(lands)

scotland flag DJ Scuba Steve is continuing to represent his brethrin with volume 2 of his Scotland Stand Up series. Get up on some serious unkown gems. Volume 3 is coming soon so when you feel this one stay tuned. Enjoy!

1. Nity Gritz & Kon-Tempt - Intro
2. Werd & Deeko - Sons Of Scotland
3. Scatabrainz - What Madness
4. West Ft Pro - Com-Bust-Able Elements
5. Synical - Remind Me
6. Nity Gritz - Smile
7. Typikal - Where Am I Goin
8. Awesome Wellz - Fistin From Hellboy
9. Dark Rumors - The Sufferin
10. Shogun - The World's Greatest
11. Eastborn - Blair Witch Project
12. Chad The Lad & K9 Kev - End Of The Line
13. Cbas Ft CatchKlick - Take It Like That
14. D-Team - Money Talks
15. Hosie - Sorry I Hurt You
16. Jee4ce - The Worlds Gone Mad
17. Loki - Consistency
18. Bigg Taj - Music Is All I Have
19. Wurrd Ft Werd & Chazel - Smokin And Drinkin
20. The Being - Get The Jump Leads The Chickens Have Escaped

Scotland Stand Up Volume 2

UK Rap UP 2010

Big yaself up Mys. I reckon tjis is better than (Mad) Skillz US version. But i’m obviously biased. Filmed in my hometown (although that’s nowt to shout about [like my rhyme]).